The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is actively considering a significant tightening of its policy concerning Pakistani nationals who are deported back to the country from abroad. This move aims to create a more robust system to deter illegal migration and combat human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable citizens.
Proposed Stricter Measures for Returnees
According to sources within the agency, the proposed policy shift would introduce several new mandatory requirements for deportees upon their arrival in Pakistan. A key component under review is the compulsory registration of all deportees with the FIA's Immigration Wing. This process would involve detailed record-keeping of the individual's case, the circumstances of their deportation, and the country from which they were sent back.
Furthermore, the FIA is evaluating the possibility of imposing travel restrictions on certain categories of deportees. These restrictions could manifest as temporary bans on obtaining a new passport or on international travel for a specified period. The objective is to prevent individuals who have attempted illegal migration once from immediately trying again through similar illicit channels.
Addressing the Root Causes and Criminal Networks
The drive for a stricter policy stems from the persistent issue of Pakistani citizens falling prey to human smugglers, often with tragic consequences. The FIA's proposed measures are not solely punitive but are designed to identify and dismantle the trafficking networks responsible. By systematically interviewing and registering deportees, authorities hope to gather crucial intelligence on the modus operandi of smugglers and their agents.
This intelligence-led approach is seen as vital for launching more effective crackdowns against the organized crime rings that profit from illegal migration. The agency believes that by making the consequences of failed migration attempts more significant for the returnees, it can reduce the demand for smugglers' services.
Implementation and Broader Immigration Strategy
While the policy is still in the deliberation phase, its development signals a more proactive stance from Pakistan's premier immigration and border control agency. It aligns with broader efforts to improve the management of migration flows and protect citizens from the dangers associated with irregular migration routes.
The final shape of the policy will be determined after inter-departmental consultations. However, the core intent remains clear: to establish a stronger deterrent and a more informative system for dealing with deportation cases. The FIA's potential new rules underscore the government's increasing focus on tackling illegal migration at both the preventive and post-return stages.
